Select Board Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call: Beth Downs, Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator; Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary
Review Minutes of June 26, 2023
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to accept the minutes of June 26, 2023 as written.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0 in favor
Appearances:
Bob Wright: Presented a framed copy of a 98-year-old poster announcing the Bradford Newbury Fair. He had two stipulations: The poster will be displayed in a prominent place in Bradford and that the gift be accepted by the Town at Town meeting.
Devin Pendleton – Parks & Rec: Devin and Katie Olohan appeared to debrief the July 1 celebration. The Board praised their effort. By all accounts the day was a success. Devin estimated that the evening attendance was between 600 and 700. Nick’s Other Band was generous with their time. The food trucks had lines all evening, the Corner’s Garden was full, the street was full of jump ropes and chalk drawings. The fireworks were brilliant. Devin will work with the fireworks company to set a date for the July, 2026, the 250th anniversary of 1776.
Beth gave a shout out to Steve, Bryan, Ed, and Karen who worked long hours all this past weekend to keep the Town safe and prepared for the excessive rain.
Bryan Nowell – Fire Department Update: July 1 chicken BBQ sold 300 chicken dinners. Lots of volunteers helped grill and serve the dinners. The fireworks went off without any issues.
Year to date incidents: 45 EMS; 35 Fire. On the calendar: Boat training part 2; Central NH Forest Fire Warden Association; Monthly Conference call will Henniker Safety; Primex training.
Past and other events: Fire alarm/fire extinguisher testing completed; boat training part 1; electric vehicle and battery training; Lake Massasecum Association annual meeting guest speaker; health officer training/water sampling for BACC; vehicle maintenance; complete grant for barricades and road signs; hose and ladder testing; posting on Fire Department Facebook account.
Budget: Fire & Rescue Budget: As of 6/30/23 Fire Department has 60.26% remaining; Rescue has 88.85% remaining; combined remainder of 6l.90%.
Mel asked about progress on the pumper truck. Bryan replied that there is about a year to go before delivery. Bryan will reach out Greenwood for pictures and status.
Review Henniker Rescue Contract:
Bryan and Karen have had several meetings with Henniker Safety to review the contract for Bradford’s ambulance service. The conversations have gone well. Bradford and Henniker Select Boards will review the proposed changes before the revised contract is shared with legal counsel. The Board discussed the mileage charge with Mel asking if the billing coefficient could be reduced from 1.50 to 1.25. It was agreed that this would be too complicated. Overall, Bradford is paying approximately 15% of Henniker Safety operations. Bryan estimated that the cost of an ambulance per year is about $500 per resident. In Bradford, that would equal about $80,000. Last year’s contract was $95,000. The goal is to reduce that sum for the coming year.
Steve Hall: The large pine trees on Cilley Lane have been cut and removed. Chip sealing is done. Budget is at about 58% remaining.
On this day of record rainfall, the following roads were closed: Fairgrounds to West Meadow Road. Center Road between Bement Bridge and Jones Road.
Steve mentioned that many culverts and drains need attention. Property owners are attributing drainage problems to the Town. Often property owners have drainage issues that cause problems in the road. Determining the responsibility for problems is difficult. In most cases the Town and property owners need to work together to fix washout problems. In cases where the Town is responsible, a detailed plan will be needed in order to get bids for repair. Steve suggests that money be put aside yearly in the CIP for bridge repair/culvert replacement. Further discussion was had about making plans for road repairs and the determining amounts to be set aside each year.
There was discussion of the funding source for the Center Road Bridge and other projects.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved to approve expenditure for the repair of the Center Road Bridge
come from 2019 Roads and Bridges Expendable Trust Fund.
Second: Beth Downs
Decision: 3-0
Steve has had bids on a grader and a chipper. Bids for grader have to wait until after July 19. The Board agreed the chipper bid can be accepted.
Public Input: None
Regular and Old Business:
Accounts Payable and Payroll Manifest for review and signature: Completed
Town Hall Update: Painting is almost complete. Sheet rocking in basement is nearly done. Tree work will happen next week, this will permit the excavation to go forward. LCHIP is insisting on preserving the look of the tin ceiling. This presents an unanticipated $11K expense. The cost will be less to deal with it before the lighting is installed. Discussion of how to cover the cost.
Expense Review: Overall budget is looking good. Department expenses are in line with budget.
Follow up on Policies: Financial policies. Discussion of how to document financial policies based on Town of Lincoln and City of Rochester documents. Mel suggested a working session to solidify. Rochester and Lincoln have provided editable documents so we can tailor them to Bradford. Marlene suggested the Board take a look at the policies from Freemont.
For next meeting the Board will review a credit card policy. Karen will prepare a document applicable to Bradford.
New Business:
Anonymous Complaint: A complaint was lodged about a property on Fairgrounds Road, Beth requested that complaints be put forth explicitly in person. Karen said a process needs to be followed in order to address a complaint. There is a complaint form that can be filed that keeps anonymous the name of the complaint lodger.
Vote LEOP agreement: Local Emergency Operations Plan. Department of Safety, Homeland Security Grant. Total outlay for the program is $8K; $4K from the grant and $4K match from Bradford which is achieved through hours volunteer participation.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board agree to enter into a grant agreement and accept funds toward the completion of the Local Emergency Operation Plan project if approved by the Governor and Executive Council, and further, that Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator, be named the authorized official to do all things necessary and make all arrangements for the acceptance and execution of the Local Emergency Operation Plan grant.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Sign PA-28 Inventory of Taxable Property: The Board signed the State form indicating the Town would use the PA-28 form for 2024 property inventory.
Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 pm.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0
Upcoming meetings: July 24, 2023, August 14, 2023
Respectfully Submitted, Kathleen Bigford, Recording Secretary